inspiration

Wedding season is almost upon us. And while diamonds are usually the darlings of the jeweler’s bench during this time of year, more and more couples are requesting sapphires, rubies, topaz, and other colored stones for their engagement rings. Will your work reflect this colorful trend? Check out The Studio today to get inspired!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Are you looking for a boost in sales? Need ideas? Personalized pendants, rings, and bracelets for moms and grandmas are still a leading trend. And Rio has the supplies you need to stamp it with love for Mother’s Day. Here are a few items that’ll get you started on a stamping trend, and just in time for Mom’s special day.

Rio recently introduced new WHITE COPPRclay to its line of base metal clays, and every clay artist in the building could hardly wait to work with it. After giving him some time to experiment, we cornered Rio Grande metal clay artist and Tech Team member Thomas Flores and asked him what he’s discovered about this exciting new color of COPPRclay. Read about his experiences today at The Studio.

Today, The Studio is thrilled to unveil the 35 finalist pieces of the 2014 Saul Bell Design Award competition! Across seven categories and from nine different countries spanning the globe, this is the best of jewelry design and it brings us one step closer to the announcement of SBDA winners in May! Take a look and be inspired.

The closing ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics were held on Sunday, which means all the athletes are headed home with their gold, silver, and bronze hardware (U.S. athletes are bringing more than 25 medals back). This year a record number of medals were given out, thanks to the 12 new competitions added to this year’s games. And, being jewelers, that got us thinking, what exactly is the golden jewel of the Olympic games made of?

What inspires you these days? What materials have you been experimenting with? Nearly every month we present you with another “What are You Working on Now?” contest, in which we invite readers to submit a picture or two and a description of what’s on their bench right now. Well, this month’s winner, Megan Moss, has won a $20 Rio credit, and March’s contest has officially begun–show us your stuff for a chance to win!

Popular in 19th century Russia and 1920s New York (thanks to Cartier’s classic trinity ring), rose gold is enjoying a Renaissance of late. The warm blushing tone is created by decreasing the silver-colored alloys and increasing the copper-colored alloys normally found in gold. The chemistry between the two metals is electric. Not as flashy as traditional gold and not as subdued as silver or white gold, rose gold offers just the right mix of subtlety and warmth. From the red carpet to the sportswear department, it has been everywhere the last two years and is showing no signs of relinquishing its crown as queen of the alloys.

Today at The Studio we bring you a little fodder for your creative soul. Here at Rio Grande, one of our favorite places to go in search of inspiration and new ideas is museums. All that creative genius gathered in one place just makes us want to make something. Luckily for jewelers, there are a bevy of jewelry-focused exhibits this spring and fall. From the Medieval to the avant-garde to the diamond-studded, the exhibits offer a little creative rejuvenation in the dark days of winter.

Jewelers get ready—spring is coming! If you create wedding jewelry or you’d like to, outdoor woodsy weddings are all the rage! Weddings with a rustic chic, vintage revival, or country romantic theme are popping up everywhere. This inspiring outdoorsy theme is all about sunshine and fresh air—organic textures and rustic, handmade adornments, décor, and accessories. Rio Grande’s linen displays capture the elegant, rustic theme perfectly and will beautifully complement your wedding-themed jewelry!

Rio Grande Winter Workshop 2014 is underway and we are having so much fun with our guests from around the globe! Today Amy chatted with participant Dana Schneider, a jewelry designer whose name is on the minds of every costume designer in the L.A. film scene. Dana’s creations can be seen in multiple films, on television, and are worn by some of the most famous performers in Hollywood and beyond. Take a look and be inspired by Dana’s fun story, then come back all week as we bring you other highlights from Winter Workshop 2014!

In Part Two of Marlene Richey’s multi-part series on “Doing a Show,” she helps you prepare for your first big wholesale or retail show! Good preparation is key to a great outcome and Marlene has the experience and wisdom to break it down for you! Grab a notebook and get ready to take some notes and then knock some socks off at your first (or your next) big show!

Valentine’s Day is just a month away. Do you need some quick but elegant solutions to please your customers? We’ll make it easy by sharing some favorite romantic selections from our heart-themed jewelry products. Get ready to swoon!

Footer

Rio Grande’s Blog

Welcome to Rio Grande's Blog, a meeting place for those who, like all of us at Rio Grande, share a passion for making jewelry.

This little corner of the web is your opportunity to meet and visit with our experts and the experts who are our friends and partners. Come by often and see what’s new. Offer your take on the latest and greatest in your shop or studio.

Whether you’re just starting out or are always on the prowl for a new idea or inspiration, we look forward to getting to know you!